Concerts and Nightlife

Innovative Leeds music venue TESTBED announces launch party lineup

Testing, testing, one, two, one two.

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia - 11th September 2026

Ever-evolving Leeds music hotspot TESTBED is making its grand return to Leeds city centre with an impressive launch party lineup.

Recognised as a cultural venue for bringing people together via music, TESTBED has hosted a variety of club nights in its warehouse location since 2024.

Back in April, it was announced that the team behind this rave-centric club were transforming this space from it's 'Phase 1.3' to 'Phase 2.0'.

Now, TESTBED has released the full lineup for its upcoming launch party which will show off some of the venue's latest features like its 360-degree DJ booth, improved acoustics and 5,000 sq ft mezzanine and balcony area.

Annie Mac is headlining the TESTBED Leeds launch party joined by Horse Meat Disco / Credit: Press Shots (via supplied)
Annie Mac is headlining the TESTBED Leeds launch party joined by Horse Meat Disco / Credit: Press Shots (via supplied)
Annie Mac is headlining the TESTBED Leeds launch party joined by Horse Meat Disco / Credit: Press Shots (via supplied)

Previous performers include Liverpool dance music duo Camelphat, house music DJ Alisha, Netherlands-own Chris Stussy and more, so it will come as no surprise that this relaunch features an equally-stellar lineup.

Fronting the bill for the TESTBED Launch Party is none other than EDM connoisseur and influential figure Annie Mac, who's hosted a variety of radio shows across the BBC as well as curating a set or two herself.

Also in attendance is Horse Meat Disco, a group who put disco and queer culture at the forefront of each and every high-energy set.

Irish selector Shee is also showing off his music expertise and already having collaborations with the likes of A-trak and Karma Kid, expect to hear some tunes.

Shee and Junior Simba will be taking to the decks to wow the crowds over at TESTBED Leeds / Credit: Press Shots (via supplied)
Shee and Junior Simba will be taking to the decks to wow the crowds over at TESTBED Leeds / Credit: Press Shots (via supplied)
Shee and Junior Simba will be taking to the decks to wow the crowds over at TESTBED Leeds / Credit: Press Shots (via supplied)

Seasoned club DJ and presenter Marcia Carr, known for playing live sets with vinyl records, will also be soundtracking the night too, playing out everything from Afrohouse to dubstep.

Of course, it wouldn't be a Leeds-based party without some local talent courtesy of Junior Simba who's quickly become a key player in the house music scene.

And if that wasn't enough raving for you, TESTBED has already announced even more insane nights of music madness featuring ROSSI., Interplanetary Criminal and Obskür.

TESTBED's opening party is taking place on Saturday 3 October from 2pm til 12am and you can grab tickets from as little as £20 HERE.

Read more: Jane McDonald at First Direct Arena, Leeds – tickets, times and more for UK tour

Featured Images: Press Shots (via Supplied)

Concerts and Nightlife

Jane McDonald at First Direct Arena, Leeds – tickets, times and more for UK tour

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

West Yorkshire's very own Jane McDonald is coming to First Direct Arena in Leeds for a hometown show that's set to be spellbinding.

Making her British TV screen debut nearly 30 years ago on The Cruise, before joining the Loose Women panel and going on to present a whole host of travel shows including Cruising with Jane McDonald, now this Wakefield legend returns to First Direct Arena.

This latest tour titled after her 2026 LP Living The Dream, will see Jane singing hits from both past and present including a couple covers too.

Earlier this year, Jane's Mighty Hoopla performance went viral online after she commanded the stage in a red leather jacket, donning a singular rainbow hair extension while belting out RAYE's 'Where Is My Husband!'

Audio North even got the opportunity to interview this legendary lady when she visited her hometown HMV store in Wakefield for an exclusive album signing - Oh look, it's me!

Gig guide - Jane McDonald at First Direct Arena, Leeds

Jane McDonald UK tour dates

  • Sat 29 August - Blackpool, UK - Blackpool Opera House
  • Sun 30 August - Blackpool, UK - Blackpool Opera House
  • Tue 1 September - Newcastle, UK - O2 City Hall
  • Wed 2 September - Aberdeen, UK - P&J Live
  • Fri 4 September - Glasgow, UK - SEC Armadillo
  • Sat 5 September - Edinburgh, UK - Usher Hall
  • Mon 7 September - Brighton, UK - Brighton Centre
  • Tue 8 September - Nottingham, UK - Motorpoint Arena
  • Thu 10 September - Manchester, UK - AO Arena
  • Fri 11 September - Liverpool, UK - M&S Bank Arena
  • Sat 12 September - Birmingham, UK - Utilita Arena
  • Tue 15 September - London, UK - London Palladium
  • Wed 16 September - London, UK - London Palladium
  • Sat 19 September - Belfast, UK - Waterfront Hall
  • Sun 20 September - Belfast, UK - Waterfront Hall
  • Wed 23 September - Sheffield, UK - Utilita Arena
  • Thu 24 September - Bournemouth, UK - Bournemouth International Centre
  • Fri 25 September - Cardiff, UK - Utilita Arena
  • Sat 26 September - Leeds, UK - First Direct Arena

Are there any tickets left for Jane McDonald at First Direct Arena?

Jane McDonald is visiting First Direct Arena in Leeds city centre on Saturday 26 September and you've still got time to bag yourself a seat or two.

Don't be left saying 'How Do I Move On' without seeing this Wakefield performer live, as there's still a variety of tickets available HERE.

Jane McDonald setlist for 2026 UK tour

The Wakefield wonder-woman's latest album Living The Dream was released in March and considering the tour is named after this impressive LP, we're sure fans can expect to hear quite a few tracks from this album.

  • Living The Dream
  • I'll Not Be Beaten
  • You Don't Know What You Got
  • Don't Mind If I Do
  • The Hand That Leads Me
  • Ain't Gonna Beg
  • I Will Always Love You
  • Islands in the Stream
  • Jolene
  • 9 to 5
  • You're My World
  • Where Is My Husband!
  • Let the Light In
  • Cake by the Ocean
  • Jai Ho!
  • APT.
  • Right Where I Belong
  • How Do I Move On
  • Beautiful Soul
  • All By Myself
  • You Still Lead Me

Of course, Jane also loves to cover a tune or two, and we'll never forget her renditions of 'Cake By The Ocean', 'Jai Ho' or 'APT.'.

What are the stage times for Jane McDonald in Leeds?

The doors for Jane McDonald's Living The Dream Tour in Leeds are set for 6pm with the event set to start at 7.30pm.

First Direct Arena has a curfew of 11pm meaning you have enough time to dash home and eat 'Cake by the (Sofa)' before ringing in the new day.

How to get to First Direct Arena

Bus Station

Located on Dyer Street next to Leeds City Bus Station and approx. 15min walk from first direct arena and is wheelchair friendly.

Support and help for any persons with a disability is available as the station is a registered ‘Safe place’ to come into and ask for assistance.

Nearest Bus Stops

  • Clay Pit Lane
  • Wade Lane/Lovell Park Road
  • Woodhouse Lane

Nearest Train Station

Leeds City Station on New Station Street is around a 15min walk from first direct arena and a major hub on the national, regional and local rail network providing connections to a wide variety of destinations.

Parking

There are over 7,500 car parking spaces within a 15-minute walk of the arena. The arena doesn’t have it’s own car park however there are lots of options nearby. To receive 5% off Q Park when attending a show at first direct arena click here

The nearest Car Park with EV charging is located on Albion Street click here.

None of the above car parks are operated by the arena so for questions, queries or comments we ask that you contact the companies directly.

Hiring Bikes in Leeds 

If you’re looking to hire a bike in Leeds, here are some of the best options you can try:

  • Beryl bikes – you’ll find the ‘Leeds City Bikes’ from Beryl stationed throughout the city. These are all e-bikes, and they’re available to hire on a pay-as-you-go basis. It costs £1 to unlock the bikes, and then 16p per minute to use them. We’d say these are great for zipping around the city and getting from A to B.
  • Talio – for a wider selection of electric bikes to choose from, Talio based at Buslinthorpe Green is a great option. From this company, you can hire cruiser bikes, mountain bikes, and cargo bikes. Prices start from £20 per day for rental, but if you’re hiring for a month or longer you’ll get a good discount.

Read more: James Blunt announces huge European tour, kicking off in Leeds

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Leeds and West Yorkshire, subscribe to The Hoot Leeds WhatsApp broadcast HERE.

Featured Image: Press Shot (via Matt Crockett)

Concerts and Nightlife

‘End of an era’ as beloved Leeds bar announces move after 15 years

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

One of Leeds' most loved late-night bars has announced it will be moving on from its current location after more than a decade.

Known for its eclectic party atmosphere, fabulous cocktails and fun DJs, Wax has long been a go-to spot for Leeds night owls looking for a big night.

The New Briggate bar has built up a loyal following over the years, becoming something of an institution on the city’s nightlife scene.

And now, Wax has announced that it will be moving location, bringing an end to an era at its current home at the top of town.

Image: Wax Bar

Taking to Instagram, Wax shared the news with its loyal customers, stating: “Wax is moving!!!

"Thats right folks, our time on New Briggate is coming to an end. For 15 years many a drink we have drunk, many a dance we have shared, many a hangover we have nursed.... so let’s keep that going in our new home.

"Don't worry you can get your OG Wax fix for the next few months. More info announced soon. See you around. X"

Of course, in classic Leeds fashion, customers flocked to the comments to express their support.

One person said: "So many memories, will forever have a very special place in my heart" whilst another expressed that "Change is good! Long live Wax Bar."

We'll keep you updated with where Wax is moving to as and when we find out, but we're sure its loyal fans will follow them wherever they go.

For now, it’s business as usual at New Briggate - so if you’ve got memories to make (or simply want one last night in the OG Wax), you’ve still got a few months to do so.

Read more: Major Leeds Festival artist cancels string of dates after losing voice

Featured image - Wax Bar (supplied)

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